Asked by: Marcus Jones (Conservative - Nuneaton)
Question to the HM Treasury:
What fiscal steps he is taking to support the high street.
Answered by Robert Jenrick
Budget 2018 announced Our Plan for the High Street, which will provide £1.5bn to support high streets as they adapt to meet the changing needs of shoppers.
The Plan includes a £675m Future High Streets Fund, planning reform, a High Streets Taskforce and support for community assets.
It also includes one third off small retailers’ business rates bills for two years from April. [This is worth almost £900m to businesses.]
Asked by: Marcus Jones (Conservative - Nuneaton)
Question to the HM Treasury:
What assessment his Department has made of the effect on working people of the increase in real wages projected by the Office for Budget Responsibility.
Answered by John Glen - Shadow Paymaster General
The Government welcome the fact that the OBR forecast real wages to increase in 2018, and to continue growing in every year of this parliament.
The Government is taking action to support incomes by increasing the National Living Wage, raising the personal allowance and freezing fuel duty.